GRADUATE ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY DOCTORAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR ENTRY IN 2012-13 1.

Criteria Within equal opportunities principles and legislation, applications will be assessed in the light of a candidates ability to meet the following criteria: 2. Academic ability1 Proven and potential academic excellence. Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or to have achieved a first-class or an upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualifications2) in Physical Sciences (eg Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics) or Life Sciences with strong mathematical skills. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA we seek is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have, or are on track to obtain, a first-class degree. Appropriate indicators will include: Academic references/letters of recommendation which support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group. Research proposal in the form of a 1000 word essay outlining research interests and indicating how background and experience relates to one of our application areas (Detailed pathway modelling; Larger scale network modelling; Cellular modelling; Physiome modelling). Performance at interview(s) Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process for all suitably qualified applicants following initial assessment by the Programme Directors. Interview panels usually consist of 3 members, including a Programme Director and an academic expert in the areas relevant to the student. Interviews last around 30 minutes and will include questions and exercises to ascertain the level of mathematics obtained by the applicant to date. If necessary, interviews will be held via telephone or skype for non UK based candidates. 3. Other qualifications and experience Research or working experience in a relevant area may be an advantage. Preference may be given to those who have previously studied in a relevant area. Evidence of training in a relevant area may be an advantage. Relevance of course to future career development plans

If you hold non-British qualifications, you are advised to check with the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) www.naric.org.uk how your qualifications match these requirements.

4. Availability of supervision, teaching, facilities and places The following factors will govern whether candidates can be offered places: The ability of The Systems Biology Doctoral Training Centre to provide the appropriate supervision, research opportunities, teaching and facilities for your chosen area of work. There are minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted onto Oxfords research and taught programmes.

The provision of supervision is subject to the following points. The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Systems Biology Doctoral Training Centre and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

5. English language requirement Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English at the higher level required by the University http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/internat_students.html.

6. Deadlines and required full set of application materials Please refer to the Graduate Admissions website http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/4_check_deadlines.htm l for information on the deadlines which must be met, and the full set of supporting materials required, in order for applications to be guaranteed to be considered.

7. Whether you have yet secured funding is not taken into consideration in the decision to make an initial offer a place, but please note that the initial offer of a place will not be confirmed until the college which gives you an initial offer of a place is satisfied that you have sufficient funding to cover your fees and living costs for the standard period of fee liability for your course.

8. Disability, health conditions and specific learning difficulties. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. Decisions on admission are based solely on the individual academic merits of each candidate and the application of the selection criteria appropriate to the programme of study. Further information on how these matters are supported during the admissions process is available here: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/about_the_university/graduat e_welfare/e_d.html

9. Other information We encourage prospective applicants to consult our websites fully for information on the programme and structure of the DTC We encourage prospective applicants to communicate with us in order to refine their application, especially where scholarships are involved. Applicants are required to submit a copy of an up to date CV for assessment before making a formal application for the programme It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor.

10. Assessors All applications will be assessed by more than one member of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise. 11. Course webpage http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/course_guide/systems_biolog y.html